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Episode: Wolf Watch

Wolf Watch

Published April 16, 2014

The Photographer's Keeper

Photograph by National Geographic Channels/ Michael McAleenan

Jason Lesmeister is in Ely, Minnesota to protect a wildlife journalist while on an expedition, documenting wolves. Jason is an animal guard. By definition, his job is to go to remote locations across the globe and protect man from beast as well as beast from man.

North American Apex Predator

Photograph by National Geographic Channels/ Michael McAleenan

Wolves are an apex predator in North America. Stealthy, hunting in groups known as packs, it is critical that Rob travels with an expert animal guardian.

The Call of the Wolf

Photograph by National Geographic Channels/ Michael McAleenan

To help Rob Drieslein with his photographic expedition, Jason Lesmeister uses his expert tracking skills to lure wolves in the Minnesota wilderness.

The Killing Season

Photograph by National Geographic Channels/ Juan Antonio Puyal

As Jason and his client continue their search for wolves in Minnesota, animal guard, Cory Valdes, is called to a cattle farm in the heart of north-eastern Costa Rica. The farm belongs to 75-year-old Norman Chacon, whose livestock is being killed off by a jaguar.

A Farm Is Suffering

Photograph by National Geographic Channels/ Juan Antonio Puyal

Cory Valdes listens intently to Norman Chacon's problem with a nearby jaguar that has killed some of his cows.

Acres of Danger

Photograph by National Geographic Channels/ Juan Antonio Puyal

Norman Chacon's property is vast.

Last Cow Standing

Photograph by National Geographic Channels/ Juan Antonio Puyal

This cow is one of the lucky ones that narrow escaped the jaguar's attacks.

A Plan And A Promise

Photograph by National Geographic Channels/ Juan Antonio Puyal

With a firm handshake, Cory Valdes assures that Norman Chacon that he is the man to help take care of his jaguar problem.

Necessary Precautions

Photograph by National Geographic Channels/ Juan Antonio Puyal

Cory Valdes prepares to make a spike strip as added protection against a lurking jaguar.

Spike Strip Backpack

Photograph by National Geographic Channels/ Juan Antonio Puyal

Cory Valdes creates a spike strip from branches and a cord and explains how it will protect him from being fatally wounded should a jaguar attack him.

Eagle Eye Safe Haven

Photograph by National Geographic Channels/ Juan Antonio Puyal

Cory Valdes is up high in the forest canopy, creating a tree blind, a simple tree house where he will spend the night and watch the surrounding area.

The Night Walker Is Spotted

Photograph by National Geographic Channels/ Juan Antonio Puyal

A jaguar is spotted.

The New Mexico Ghost Cat

Photograph by National Geographic Channels/ Eric Freeburg

As Cory continues to survey his clients property in Costa Rica, over 2100 miles to the north-west lies the barren high desert mountains of New Mexico.

Animal guards, Rob Hardy and Puma Ghostwalker have volunteered to consult the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. In an effort to help regulate the reintroduction of the Bighorn Sheep population to the area, Rob Hardy and Puma have been tasked with keeping an eye on a Mountain Lion that may threaten the herd.